DIY home wall shoe rack

Sometimes a minimalist designer object (such as a single-piece shoe shelf) can lead to an even simpler do-it-yourself idea. In this case, a brushed steel shoe rack inspired an ingenious alternative: a space-saving, wall-mounted, shoe-storage solution using just a pair of basic wooden boards and a few brackets to hold them in place.

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jme metal shoe rack

Why was the original j-me such a good idea? in the words of this crafty DIYer at NotMarsha: “I love that it floats off the floor, I love that it doesn’t take up much space when no shoes are present, I love that it was the perfect shoe solution to my very cramped back entryway. So, I nearly cried when I found out it was about 5 inches too long to fit into said very cramped back entryway.”

DIY stained wood shoe rack

First stop? The hardware store – but nothing in the realm of plastic pipes, metal plumbing or other prefabricated elements seemed to fit the bill. Second choice? Wood, plain and simple: a pair of boards sliced so the top one in narrower and the bottom one is wider. Add some metal L-brackets, drywall screws and a few coats of dark finish and a simple shoe shelving system is born.

DIY wooden shoe rack

Lessons to be learned: even the most easy of DIY projects takes some brainstorming, planning and time to purchase, finish and install materials – but if you have more time than money, it might just be a great way to go. Why not just by a free-standing rack? It takes up more space, can be knocked over and, well, it just isn’t as neat as hanging pairs of shoes from the wall.

jme metal shoe rack rows

If you love the idea but don’t have the time or inclination to DIY this project, you can get the original J-ME metal shoe rack at Amazon for $80. Whichever way you choose, it’s bound to be better than a pile of shoes at hte bottom of your closet.